Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Virginia

authorized user

In redards to credit cards, what is the difference between an individual and joint account. Is an authorized user liable if the primary account holder does not pay. Thanks.


Asked on 4/25/06, 4:59 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: authorized user

One authorized to use a credit card is not liable

for the charges on the account unless this person signed the application for a joint credit card account with the other co-applicant.

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Answered on 4/26/06, 9:38 am
Jonathon Moseley Jonathon A. Moseley

Re: authorized user

I think that in addition to Mr. Hendrickson's comments, I think you COULD be held accountable for the purchases that you actually made, yourself, personally. If you received the benefit of those charges, you might be made to pay for ONLY those charges that YOU made yourself. This would assume that the credit card company can actually prove that YOU are the one who made those charges.

Also, the 3 year statute of limitations would most likely apply instead of the 5 year statute of limitations.

By the way, do not overlook the possiblity that the claim is outside of the statute of limitations either way.

The clock starts running for a written contract from the date when payment was due and NOT paid.

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Answered on 4/26/06, 12:44 pm


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